A warm, humid morning, this one. Dog and I headed up the trail at the usual time, unsure (at least I was) of what birds we’d encounter under such suddenly interesting conditions.
Quite a few, turns out—including a couple of surprises.
E.g., an Eastern Kingbird showed up out of nowhere and commenced to chasing other birds around. Another example: I happened to spy a juvie Brown-headed Cowbird. Possibly (judging by the nearness of a pair of them) raised by Yellow Warblers.
But this morning’s most photogenic bird? A Chestnut-sided Warbler.
Beech Hill List Starting at 6:32 a.m. EST (7:32 DST), I hiked all trails.
Another foggy morn for dog and me—thick fog, moisture-laden air, a soggy water world. I don’t mind the fog, even have come to take it as a challenge to manage to take a decent photograph.
Today’s was a cooperative Hermit Thrush, whining its alarm call on a branch in the woods just in front of us.
I loved this foggy day.
Beech Hill List Starting at 6:28 a.m. EST (7:28 DST), I hiked all trails.
1. Northern Cardinal (v) 2. Red-eyed Vireo (v) 3. Ovenbird (v) 4. Blue Jay (v) 5. Eastern Wood-pewee (v) 6. Mourning Dove (v) 7. American Goldfinch 8. American Crow* 9. Black-capped Chickadee (v) 10. Eastern Towhee** 11. Chestnut-sided Warbler 12. Alder Flycatcher (v) 13. Gray Catbird** 14. Song Sparrow** 15. Yellow Warbler 16. Cedar Waxwing 17. Common Yellowthroat (v) 18. Scarlet Tanager (v) 19. Eastern Bluebird 20. Veery** (v) 21. Field Sparrow (v) 22. Tufted Titmouse (v) 23. Pileated Woodpecker (v) 24. Northern Flicker (v) 25. American Robin* 26. Black-throated Green Warbler (v) 27. Black-and-white Warbler (v) 28. Hermit Thrush 29. Savannah Sparrow (v) 30. Red-winged Blackbird (v) 31. Chipping Sparrow (v) 32. Black-throated Blue Warbler (v) 33. American Redstart (v)
Elsewhere
34. Mallard 35. Herring Gull
Amphibians
American Toad
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
Rain was in this morning’s forecast as late as last evening. Rain did not occur. Instead, an early foggy overcast burned away to let the sun shine through. The birds seemed to appreciate it.
Not that we encountered any particularly odd species, dog and me—although we did spook a grouse—but they were busily angling for food, feeding youngsters, posing for closeups, flying over at a distant, vocalizing while staying out of sight.
Tomorrow, however, I expect the forecast rain (or showers) will arrive. Will be ready for it.
Beech Hill List Starting at 6:37 a.m. EST (7:37 DST), I hiked all trails.
1. Red-eyed Vireo** 2. Ovenbird** 3. Eastern Phoebe 4. Black-throated Green Warbler 5. Eastern Wood-pewee 6. Blue Jay 7. Hairy Woodpecker 8. Northern Cardinal 9. Veery 10. Black-capped Chickadee 11. Osprey 12. White-breasted Nuthatch 13. Black-and-white Warbler 14. American Goldfinch 15. American Crow 16. Scarlet Tanager 17. Hermit Thrush 18. Tufted Titmouse 19. Eastern Towhee 20. Pileated Woodpecker 21. Chestnut-sided Warbler 22. American Redstart 23. Alder Flycatcher 24. Gray Catbird 25. Song Sparrow 26. Yellow Warbler 27. Chipping Sparrow 28. Ruffed Grouse 29. American Robin 30. Cedar Waxwing 31. Common Yellowthroat 32. Field Sparrow 33. Eastern Bluebird 34. Red-winged Blackbird
